Overview & Reviews
Introduced more than a decade ago, the Ford Focus was one of the first small cars from a domestic automaker that was truly competitive with traditionally more dominant models from Japan. An affordable price, sharp handling, expressive styling and availability in multiple body styles all contributed to making this one of Ford's most popular cars worldwide.
Since that time, Ford has gone on to introduce second and third generations of the Focus. Sadly, the second generation lost a lot of the mojo built up by the original, first-generation model and is hard to recommend as a used car. However, Ford has refocused its efforts for the latest Focus, and as such it stands as one of our top picks for a small hatchback or sedan.
Current Ford Focus
Available in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles, the Ford Focus boasts eye-catching styling and a sharply designed interior fitted with high-quality materials. There are three main trim levels: S, SE and Titanium, as well as an electric version. The high-performance Focus ST is reviewed separately.
The only engine available is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic, the latter actually being a dual-clutch automated manual. Fuel economy is very good no matter what you pick, and with the available Super Fuel Economy package, the Focus earns a 33-mpg-combined estimate from the EPA.
If you don't want to use any gas at all, there's the Focus Electric, which is strictly battery-powered like Nissan's Leaf. Propelled by a 107-kilowatt (143-hp) electric drive motor and powered by a 23kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Focus Electric has an estimated range of about 76 miles between charges. It can be recharged in just 4 hours from a 240-volt power source. Owners can also keep tabs on their electric Focus' charging state via smartphone integration.
Even the base Focus S comes with air-conditioning, full power features, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. Moving up through the trims gets you luxuries such as Ford's Sync voice-activated phone/audio interface, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, keyless ignition and entry, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. There's also MyFord Touch, which features a large center touchscreen that minimizes button clutter. Options include a navigation system and an automated parallel parking assist system.
In reviews, we've been impressed by the Focus' refined road manners. Handling is sharp, with little body lean in the corners, while the steering is communicative and fairly quick. The ride is firm but well controlled over bumps. The 2.0-liter engine deserves praise as well, as it provides above-average performance and fuel economy. Changing gears with the five-speed manual transmission adds to the fun, though a sixth gear would be appreciated on longer freeway jaunts. The automatic is the one fly in the Focus' driving ointment, as it upshifts too quickly and is reluctant to downshift unless the throttle pedal is mashed to the floor.
Inside, the Focus boasts excellent materials, supportive seats and a hushed environment. Relative to its competitors, though, the backseat is a little cramped and the electronics interface can be unintuitive. But all in all, the Focus is a well-rounded, well-built economy car that is easy to recommend.
Used Ford Focus Models
A complete redesign of the Focus took place for 2012, and this generation represents massive improvements in the areas of cabin quality, overall performance and high-end features availability. Apart from subsequent minor equipment and trim level shuffling, these Foci are similar to the current model. The Focus Electric debuted for 2012.
The second-generation Focus ran from 2008-'11. It was available in coupe and sedan body styles until the final year, when only the sedan was offered. More squared-off styling distinguished it from the first Focus. Motivation was provided by a 2.0-liter inline-4 making 140 hp (130 in California-emissions states) hooked up to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Originally, the trim levels included base S, midgrade SE and sporty SES for both body styles. Ford's Sync system, which allowed voice control over cell phones and the audio system, was available and unusual for the economy car segment.
The following year the coupe's front fenders lost their glitzy chrome trim, and the trim levels were shuffled. Coupes were available in SE and SES trims, while the sedan came in S, SE, SES and leather-lined SEL trims. Stability control became optional but then was made standard for 2010.
A used Focus from this generation makes for a value-packed choice, but most competitors were stronger vehicles overall. It offered solid and reliable transportation with a few notable perks like the available Sync system, but the cabin lacked the more upscale materials quality that segment front-runners had. And although it offered a reasonably pleasant driving experience along with excellent fuel economy, its handling wasn't as finely honed as that of some sportier rivals such as the Mazda 3.
When the Ford Focus debuted for 2000, it was available as a two-door hatchback (ZX3) or as a sedan (ZX4) or wagon (ZXW). The base engine was an anemic SOHC 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated for 110 hp, or a preferable DOHC 2.0-liter engine called the Zetec that was good for 130 hp. Transmission choices were a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. These earlier Focus models went through a variety of changes, many of which are important to pay attention to if you're looking for a used Focus. In particular, Ford continually tinkered with the car's trim levels and availability of standard and optional features. From 2000-'04, the trim levels were typically base LX, midgrade SE and high-line ZTS. Antilock brakes and front-seat side airbags were optional equipment, and stability control was offered for a few years starting in 2001.
For 2002, Ford added a four-door hatchback (the "ZX5"). Starting in '04, the Focus gained an available 2.3-liter inline-4 that offered 145 hp and cleaner emissions. A 170-hp four-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission were featured in the short-lived and rare Focus SVT hatchback. Coveted by young enthusiasts, the SVT Focus was offered as a hatchback from 2002-'04. For 2005, the Focus got a more modest refresh that provided cosmetic changes on the outside, a revised control layout inside and an updated engine lineup that included either a 136-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 151 hp (sedan only). The trim levels were renamed S, SE and SES. The wagon and hatchback were dropped after the '07 model year.
Our editors were quite fond of the Ford Focus in its earlier years, and the car earned Editors' Most Wanted award designations from 2000-'03. Although we consider the first-generation model a good, inexpensive buy on the used market, the Focus' reliability record hasn't been ideal, particularly regarding the 2000 models.
User Reviews:
Showing 1791 through 1800 of 3,280.00-
Bad Performance over 2 years - 2001 Ford Focus
By MAEH - March 3 - 10:00 amThe Good things -Exellente Handling -Confortable -Great Sound -Very Good Space in front, im 6.6 tall The Bad things -Regular Quality on interiors -Engine is not so good, very good power at the start (Brand New), but the car lost a lot of power with the A/C on, especially if you live in places with very high temperatures (115-120 F), -Fuel Cosumption, Regular -a litle bit noisy on the high ways The Ugly thing -just 2 years and a half with the car and i dont whant it any more
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I LIKE IT! - 2003 Ford Focus
By Nizoral1 - February 20 - 2:00 amJust bought my new ztw wagon today for 13900 including all rebates from ford and dealer. tt control 6 disc changer you name it. Nows the time to buy that leftover. Cant beat the price msrp 19200. 13900 WOW Just cant beat the price for anything close to the wagon!
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Great fun for the money - 2001 Ford Focus
By JohnS - February 19 - 11:11 amI bought this car used with 72k miles, and its the best value I could hope for. Great fun to drive, steering and handling are super, will zip when you stand on the throttle--five speed with 16v 2liter 4 are more than adequate. Plenty of power for passing and mountain driving. The hatch and fold-down rear seats add to its utility, and rear seat room surprises all who crawl back there. A/C and heat are both powerful, all accessories work great. Cockpit is cozy and ergonomics are great a very comfortable driving position. I paid $5700 and cant imagine more fun for that money. The original owner took care of recall repairs and its been trouble free for me.
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Great all around car - 2005 Ford Focus
By Jeremy - February 19 - 8:26 amFor many years I have been a staunch supporter of import cars. My last car was a Honda Civic and was not the automotive icon everyone depicts it to be. Ford still has some ground cover on the little things, but for the real world, you cant go wrong with the Focus. It rides better, has more power, better visibility, and better factory support than any import out there! Especially Honda.
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Extreamly Disappointed - 2000 Ford Focus
By zedinteractive.com - February 17 - 10:00 amI bought this car for all the great things that I read about it - it seems what I read vs. what is real are two different things. The Focus is the worst car I ever bought. From the trunk leaking (and soaking all that was in the truck) to the air conditioning that smells, I do not feel safe in this car. The endless recalls and now 6 investigations, Ford should be ashamed that this car was ever put on the road.
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Fords Junk - 2014 Ford Focus
By Jerry - February 15 - 11:03 amWarning do not buy this vehicle. I have driven Fords for years. Never again. replaced fuel pump and fuel tank and now I am being told I need to replace the clutches. on a vehicle that has 50,000 miles on it.
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fun focus - 2004 Ford Focus
By sheldo - February 15 - 10:00 amafter having a 2001 fx3 this 2004 focus is great.
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S upermods Review - 2004 Ford Focus
By Supermod26 - February 15 - 10:00 amCar is fun to drive, have not had long enough to give a good review..
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Good looking but the quality is not there - 2012 Ford Focus
By Patric Pederson - February 14 - 1:45 amSo I am just going to say this outright (and this is coming from someone that had owned 6 Fords in 13 years) this car has turned me away from Ford Motor Company. When I bought it, I traded a perfectly good 2010 Focus SE. I really wish I hadnt done that. Sure, the car is pretty fun to drive and it gets pretty great gas mileage but the transmission just puts a dark cloud over all of that. I have had it in the shop 5 times for transmission issues. Fortunately, they have all been covered repairs. One of these episodes left us on the side of the road during our Memorial Day 2015 weekend trip. Its a good thing the breakdown happened just outside of our hometown and our dealership is awesome (always gave me a free loaner). I am having issues with the transmission again and this time I am out of the extended warranty for the vehicle. According to my service advisor, the cost of repair is somewhere in the neighborhood of $1600. Along with those issues, there is a really annoying clunky sounding rattle coming from the rear door. I cannot figure out what it is. Also since almost the beginning of its life, there have been multiple rattles (seems to come from around the headliner). I am trying to get into another vehicle but the value pretty sad and I will have to roll negative equity into a new loan.
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fun but... - 2003 Ford Focus
By Kevin - February 13 - 12:19 pmGreat car. Works well in winter with snow tires. Spirited driving brings out the best in it. Clutch assembly problems and poor gas mileage make the car suffer, though. Insurance companies act like its a sports car also. Wouldnt buy this car again.